“The decision to suspend a search is very difficult when someone is still missing at sea,” said Capt. Ed Pino, commander of Coast Guard Sector San Juan. “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing mariner during this difficult time.”

Coast Guard rescue crews launched an aerial and surface search Saturday for the 24-year-old Greek mariner after Coast Guard Watchstanders in Sector San Juan received a satellite communication from the master of the 748-foot Velopoula reporting the incident.

The mariner reportedly was last seen at 12 p.m. Saturday and was noticed missing four hours later.